On Sunday morning, a suicide bomber struck a military checkpoint in Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, killing five soldiers and residents.
The attack, which occurred while troops were on duty, has reignited concerns over the escalating insecurity in the region and the persistent threat from extremist groups.
Headlinenews.news
A security source told Daily Trust that the bomber is believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) and had been hiding in the Mandara Mountains prior to the attack.
“Reports indicate he spent the night near the checkpoint, planning the attack. In the morning, as the road opened for civilians, he blended in and detonated the explosive among them. Five soldiers were killed instantly,” the source revealed.
A local resident noted that this was the first suicide bombing in the area in over a year, emphasizing the need for renewed security strategies.
“This is the first such attack in more than a year, highlighting the need for security forces to adopt a fresh approach to prevent future incidents,” the resident said.
The attack brings back painful memories of previous suicide bombings in Gwoza and other parts of Borno State. On June 30, 2024, two female suicide bombers targeted a wedding in Gwoza, killing 18 people, including children and a pregnant woman. Similarly, on June 21, 2025, a suicide bomber killed at least 11 civilians and injured many more at a viewing center in Konduga Local Government Area.
What drives these terrorist groups to convince individuals to carry out such attacks?
